Darvish Article

Check out this article in today's New York Times about 22-year-old Japanese pitcher, Yu Darvish.

Former Mets pitcher, Masato Yoshii, -- who is familiar with both Darvish and Daisuke Matsuzaka -- says that Darvish is "more talented" than Matsuzaka and "he has exceptional control of every pitch known to man except a knuckleball." Wow.

Darvish isn't a free agent until 2014, so there would be a posting fee involved if he wants to pitch in the United States before that. Maybe the Red Sox should start saving up?

There are videos of Darvish over at Darvis Watch and we will get a chance to see him pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic in March.

Moneyball the Movie

MSNBC reports that Brad Pitt will star as Billy Beane in the film adaptation of Michael Lewis' book "Moneyball." There is no word yet on whether Youk will be asked to play The Greek God of Walks.

Happy Truck Day

Amazing! Only 5+ days until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. This video of a championship year Truck Day (2007) gives me the chills. Let's hope that today's departure is similar.

There is a fun article about Truck Day over on MLB.com. The Red Sox are not the only team with an equipment truck heading south this week, but we are the only fans who make a "modern ritual" out of its departure -- not a big surprise. Also, if you have ever wondered what is on the equipment truck, MLB has compiled a list of the contents that the Philadelphia Phillies will transport. The contents of the Red Sox truck are probably similar:

• 15 cases of gum (regular and sugarless)
• 12 cases of sunflower seeds
• 20 coolers and a half pallet of Powerade mix
• 300 helmets
• 350 pairs of shorts
• 450 pairs of socks
• 600 pairs of pants
• 600 hats
• 200 fleeces
• 1,200 bats
• 2,000 T-shirts
• 10,000 12 oz. cups
• 15,000 baseballs
• 150 pairs of batting gloves

It's comforting to know that equipment is transported in even numbers and that sugarless gum is provided as an option. Happy Truck Day!

Babies & Blogs

Okay, so posts over here haven't been too uhmm...frequent. We have a new baby boy who generally doesn't like to sit quietly while I ponder the trials and tribulations of Red Sox Nation. (Too bad he didn't come equipped with a pause button.) Here's my favorite photo of the bugger taken by my sister in law:

Anyway...I want to point out that my pal Greg has a fantastic new Red Sox blog: Red Sox Links Daily (http://soxlinks.wordpress.com/) and he does post good thought-provoking Sox stuff...daily. He promises free beer for life if you subscribe to his RSS feed. Check it out when you have a chance!

-----

It was blood

I bet Orioles play by play announcer, Gary Thorne, didn't know that he'd unleash the wrath of Red Sox Nation with his comment about Curt Schilling during Wednesday's Orioles - Red Sox broadcast:

"The great story we were talking about the other night was that famous red stocking that he wore when they finally won -- the blood on his stocking. Nah. It was painted. Doug Mirabelli confessed up to it after. It was all for PR."

Mirabelli's response:

"What? Are you kidding me? He's [expletive] lying. A straight lie. I never said that. I know it was blood. Everybody knows it was blood."

Thorne is from Bangor, Maine so I'm not sure how or when it happened, but he must be a closet Yankees fan. There is no other explanation for his comments.

The Joy of Sox has the whole story and Jere has the video. Gordon Edes even has testimony from Schilling's orthopedist.

-----

WMP

A fun little fact from Baseball Musings: At 245 pounds, Wily Mo Pena is the heaviest man to play centerfield in the majors since 2000.

-----

Sunday Links: Values, Standards & Glovology

Photo by Flickr user rodbegbie.

Wow! We've witnessed a great weekend of baseball so far. Tonight, the Red Sox will go for the sweep. Here are seven links to tide us over 'til 8pm ET / 5pm PT. Go Sox!

Over at 38 Pitches, Curt Schilling breaks down Friday's Red Sox win.

Forbes released it's 2007 list of MLB franchise values. The Yankees top the list at 1.2 billion. The Red Sox are at #3 with a franchise value of $724 million. (The current ownership group bought the Sox for $380 million $660 million in 2002.)

Fenway Park has "low standards" and is populated by a "pack of drunks" according to NY Beat writer, Peter Abraham. Why? Red Sox fans stood and cheered Josh Beckett when he was removed from the game Saturday. (I have never witnessed an extraneous curtain call at Yankee Stadium. Never.) Hat tip Yanksfan vs Soxfan.

"Glovology" [TCS Daily]
Everything you ever wanted to know about the history of the baseball glove.

"Red Sox celebrity lookalikes" [Bugs & Cranks] Julian Tavarez and...

Bill Nye the Science Guy answers questions about the gyroball.

The Cincinnati Reds are running a clever ad for Bronson Arroyo bobblehead night. Via Red Hot Mama.

-----

The Rivalry: "Manufactured fan nonsense?"

In case you missed it, Bob Ryan labels our favorite rivalry "manufactured fan nonsense" in his Globe column today. Ryan argues that a rivalry is only "really good when it's from the inside out, not when it's from the outside in."

"For the players, the rivalry is about the competition. For far too many Red Sox fans, it's about some imagined grievance with both the Yankees and the city of New York. It's chic to say you hate the Yankees, even if there really is nothing to hate. Really, what has Derek Jeter ever done besides not be Nomah? And now that Nomah is gone, perhaps not be Papi?"

"What we have with the Red Sox and Yankees now is manufactured fan nonsense. Hate to tell you, but no one in uniform hates anyone in the current Yankees-Red Sox state of affairs. The players can't believe what they hear and what goes on in the stands, or on the streets. They cannot relate to any of it."

What do you think? As fans, did we just make this whole darn thing up?

I think that most fans love baseball and are smart enough to be interested in the competition between the Red Sox and Yankees. ESPN and Fox Saturday Baseball will over-hype and sensationalize the rivalry this weekend--but that is the media, not the fans. What are fans looking forward to this weekend? I am excited to watch veterans, Andy Pettitte and Curt Schilling match up tonight. I wan to see Daisuke Matsuzaka pitch against the Yankee lineup Sunday. I'm curious to know if the Red Sox league leading pitching staff can shut down Alex Rodriguez and the rest of the Yankees' league leading offense. Etcetera. Do I hate the Yankees? Yes, but there won't be "sophomoric overuse of many naughty words" in my living room this weekend. (Well...maybe...I guess it depends on the score.)
-----

A-Poll!

So...I just figured out that I have the ability to create polls. Woo hoo! Watch out. I plan to make up for a boat load of lost polling time (LPT).

Alex Rodriguez has carried the Yankees on his back in April with some incredibly hot hitting (10 HR .351 AVG 26 RBI) including a walk-off three run home run today against the Cleveland Indians. A screen shot of the moment immediately following this incident can be seen above. Eeew.

Anyway...Here is the poll question: Will A-Rod continue his hot hitting or will he choke (as usual) in the spotlight of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry this weekend at Fenway?



-----

Birds sing, knuckleballs dance (or something)

Photo by Flickr user gocarrt

Hey! We won in Toronto. The Red Sox took Tomo "I don't care about Matsuzaka" Okha deep three times and Tim Wakefield pitched another gem. Take a look at the number of runs that the Sox have allowed in the first thirteen games of the season--starting with Game 1 in Kansas City: (7, 1, 1, 2, 4, 2, 3, 3, 1, 0, 2, 2, 1). Impressive.

Today! Tavarez (0-1, 9.00) vs Halladay (2-0, 2.35) 12:37 pm ET / 9:37 am PT

It will be scrambled eggs, bacon and baseball* for those of us on the West Coast. Let's hope that the "reverse lock" theory** is in full effect.


-----
* Possibly a couple of slices of whole wheat toast and a little bit of work too.
**Games that appear to be a lock for one team (Blue Jays/Halladay) often go the other way (Red Sox/Tavarez).
-----

The Pizza Toss

Kudos to Yanksfan vs Soxfan for locating footage of "The Pizza Toss" from today's Red Sox broadcast. In case you missed it, here is a brief outline of the incident: Fan A in section 82 attempts to catch a foul ball. Fan B tosses an entire slice of pizza at fan A for no apparent reason. Just watch.
Update: The full version of the Pizza Toss incident is now on YouTube. It's 100% better with analysis from Don and Jerry.
-----

I promise to stay at least ninety feet from Fenway tonight

(Photo from Boston.com)

I hesitate to throw around the term "bad luck," but the Red Sox haven't scored a run in the last two games I have attended. Wednesday night (as we all know), Felix Hernandez stole the show and the Sox lost 3-0. Back on August 25th, 2006, we convinced fifty people to fly out to Seattle to catch a game with us and the Sox lost 6-0. What's up with that?

Some observations from Fenway Wednesday:

• Before the game, Daisuke Matsuzaka was introduced in Japanese - it was a nice moment.
  
• 36,000+ flash bulbs lit up for the first pitch of the Matsuzaka - Ichiro showdown.
  
• 67% of the Fenway crowd were wearing Dice-K headbands.
• Signs utilizing kanji (correct and incorrect translations) are "all the rage."
• Ichiro needed a hug.
• Felix Hernandez was impressive.
• Eating ice cream when it is 37 degrees is a bad idea.

Oh! We also saw an R2-D2 mailbox in front of Symphony Hall. (Very exciting!)
-----

Ichiro! Zen Master

I've lived in Seattle for four years now so I'm familiar with the soul-searching musings of Ichiro! that find their way into baseball articles ("If I'm in a slump, I ask myself for advice"). This one, prompted by a question about opposing Daisuke Matsuzaka, really...uhm...takes the cake. From the Seattle Times:

"I hope he arouses the fire that's dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul. I plan to face him with the zeal of a challenger." -- Ichiro on facing Matsuzaka Wednesday

-----

Happy Home Opener!

Photo by tollerSCREAM. Check out more of her wonderful photos here.

We've waited all winter, withstood snow and cold
Thru free agent signings for millions in gold.
"Play ball", "Batter up", the umpire will yell,
Peanuts and crackerjacks the vendors will sell.
Like Bogey has said with panache and glitz,
"A hot dog at the ballpark beats roast beef at the Ritz!"
----- By Mark H. Young -----

Let's Go Sox!

-----

The Showdown

I saw this Daisuke Matsuzaka vs Ichiro video over on Deadspin. I have no idea what is being said, but the gist is that a)Matsuzaka has had the upper hand in previous encounters with Ichiro and b)the Japanese are wicked psyched for Wednesday's matchup:

In a twist that will add to the drama of Wednesday's game, the Seattle Mariners announced that their own young stud pitcher, Felix Hernandez, will match up against Matsuzaka. The M's had their entire weekend series snowed out in Cleveland, so Hernandez will be pitching on eight days rest. "King Felix" (as he is referred to in Seattle) was awesome in his first start of the season (8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 12 K). He will be fun to watch too.

My dad and I have tickets to the game Wednesday, so I'll be doing the "PLEASE don't rain" dance for the next 48 hours (no video footage available). So far, the forecast for Boston is "good":

-----

"It's not worth it, man"

We don't need another reason to love David Ortiz (really), but if you'd like additional evidence that he is a superhuman walking the earth among mortals, check out Big Papi's comments in today's Boston Globe on why "it's not worth it" to use steroids:

"People will say they'll get you big, they'll get you strong, they'll make you rich, but personally I think it's a terrible decision," he said, "because life continues after baseball. What if right after you retire, your body breaks down and you have to spend two years in bed and then die? How was everything you did to make money, how was it worth it? So your family could look at you as a superhero, and you left a ton of money for them?

"I was talking to my son [D'Angelo, 2 1/2] this morning. He kept saying, 'Daddy, I love you, I miss you, when are you coming home, Daddy?'

"You know what that tells you? They care more about me being with them than what I can give them. They're not asking me, 'Hey Daddy, are you going to bring me something? No, they're saying, 'Daddy, we love you, we miss you.' That's a quick example to me of why it's not worth it, man."

Could Big Papi possibly be any more unlike Barry Bonds?
-----

"Just do it: Enjoy the pressure" Matsuzaka Nike Ad

Nike is airing this new commercial in Japan featuring Daisuke Matsuzaka. According to SI.com, "the commercial will air once in the United States, on NESN, before Matsuzaka's scheduled home debut April 11."

I suppose I should admit that the commercial made me giddy? Be sure to turn your volume up to get the "full effect."
-----

Today: The debut of the "much ballyhooed pitcher from Japan"

Sushi and Asahi Super Dry for lunch anyone? Sounds good to me.

Today's Red Sox lineup:

• Julio Lugo, SS
  
• Kevin Youkilis, 1B
  
• David Ortiz, DH
  
• Manny Ramirez, LF
  
• J.D. Drew, RF
  
• Mike Lowell, 3B
• Jason Varitek, C
  
• Coco Crisp, CF
  
• Dustin Pedroia, 2B
  
• Daisuke Matsuzaka, P
  

Red Sox vs. Royals 2:05 pm ET / 11:05 am PT / 3:05 am Tokyo Time

Go Sox!

BTW: The title of this post is a direct quote from the Kansas City Royals play-by-play guy. He actually used the word "ballyhooed" during Wednesday's broadcast. Bonus points and jelly beans for you if you can work the word "ballyhooed" into a conversation today.
-----

Worst. Ceremonial First Pitch. Ever.

The Red Sox announced Tuesday that members of the 1967 "Impossible Dream" Team will be honored at the home opener on April 10. If the Sox select a member of the '67 crowd to toss the ceremonial first pitch, I am 100% certain that he will loft it 167% closer to the catcher than Cincinnati Mayor, Mark Mallory, did at the Reds home opener. Just watch. So funny.

Hat tip Redleg Nation

-----

Ugliness / Trivia Winner

Today's Sox game was ugly. Let's just chalk it up to Opening Day jitters and move on. Over at 38 Pitches, Curt Schilling posted an insightful blog entry recounting his not-so-great outing.

I also caught the Mariners' opener today. Seattle's 20 year old pitcher, Felix Hernandez, had scary, dominating stuff (8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 12 K). I've seen most of his outings since he broke into the majors in '05 and today was the first time he's lived up to his supposed "phenom" status. Thankfully, it doesn't appear that he'll line up to start next week at Fenway against the Sox.

-----

Congratulations to Adam P for answering last Tuesday's trivia question correctly! Adam won the random drawing for a Boston Insoxicated T-shirt.

Last Tuesday's Question:
Who produces Red Sox tickets? The company's name is on the back of each hard ticket that the Red Sox sell....

Correct Answer: Weldon, Williams and Lick

-----

Stop by tomorrow for another question from Trivia Guy. As usual, there will be a prize.

If you are in the Boston/Cambridge area, don't forget to head over to John Harvard's Brew House tonight at 9:30 for trivia night with Trivia Guy. Thinking cap required, drinking shoes optional!

-----

Opening Day 2007: Red Sox (0-0) vs Royals (0-0)

Photo by Flickr user catastrophy

So...there's less than an hour 'till game time. Let's hope you've had your "I have to leave work early on Monday April 2nd" excuse in place for a while--late afternoon dentist appointments are always highly effective--and you're on your way to watch the first pitch of the 2007 season. Here's the Opening Day lineup:

• Julio Lugo, SS
  
• Kevin Youkilis, 1B
  
• David Ortiz, DH
  
• Manny Ramirez, LF
  
• J.D. Drew, RF
  
• Mike Lowell, 3B
• Jason Varitek, C
  
• Coco Crisp, CF
  
• Dustin Pedroia, 2B
  
• Curt Schilling, P
  

Go Sox!

PS. In case you missed it, A-Rod already botched an easy little foul popup in the Yankees opener.
-----

Red Sox #88 in ESPN's Fan Satisfaction Rankings

ESPN has conducted an extensive study on "fan satisfaction" for 122 professional sports teams. The study is based on how much love each franchise "gives back to fans who invest their time and money in the organization."

The categories include "Bang for the Buck," "Fan Relations," "Ownership Honesty and Loyalty," "Affordability," "Stadium Experience," "Players Effort and Likability," "Coach/Manager," and "Titles already won or expected."

The Red Sox rank #88 overall, two slots below the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and one notch above the Golden State Warriors. The Sox are ranked #26 out of the 30 MLB teams.

The Patriots are at #31 which is the best ranking of any New England franchise. The Celtics are at #112 and our poor Bruins are justifiably at #117.

I can understand the bad rankings for the Bruins and Celtics, but as Sox fans are we really this unsatisfied? I don't think so. I'm trying to figure out where this study went wrong.

Anyway, you can check the whole darn thing out here.

Hat tip to Chris for the link.

-----

Friday Random You Tube: "Rally Karaoke Guy"

The good natured trash talk that transpired this week between Kevin Millar and Curt Schilling reminded me just how much fun it was to have Millar on the Red Sox roster. Remember this video of Millar, the teenage fiend, dancing to "Born in the USA?" Yup, we've all seen it -- even used it to incite late inning rallies back in 2003. It's just fun to bring it back for viewing once every 3-5 years. (Seriously, I think I could be in the proverbial worst mood ever and I'd still laugh at this video.)


----

It's been a bit of a wacky news day for former Red Sox:

Former Red Sox closer, Ugueth Urbina, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempted murder.

Grady Little, infamous Red Sox manager, has traded his number "9" for a custom made motorcycle. (via Fanhouse) I can't quite conjure up the image of Grady on a motorcycle.

Jose Canseco has announced the inception of his own reality tv show, A DAY WITH JOSE, in which contestants will compete for a day with...him.

Really. Eeew.

-----

Sunday Links: Curt Schilling, Haiku and Peyton Manning on SNL

Photo by Flickr user Finn (I want this house.)

Have you staked your claim to Hans Island? Good! Here are seven links for your Sunday afternoon:

"Solo by choice, Schilling acts as his own agent" [Eagle Tribune]

Sox-inspired Drawings [Blue Cats and Red Sox]
If these drawings ever become "in print," I'll be first in line for this series by Boston Fan in Michigan.

"Baseball Season Preview: Boston Red Sox" [Deadspin]
"Is it just me, or does this year's Red Sox team feel a lot like the team from Major League II? They're both motley crews of total weirdos trying to make it back to another World Series...."

"Haiku Contest" [Boston.com]
This link is for a friend of mine who is a world class haiku-er. Tim, you should submit an entry!

"Schilling Unfiltered" [SI.com]
Curt Schilling chats about his venture into the blogosphere.

"You might want to sit down" [The LoHud Yankees Blog]
Concerned about the Red Sox rotation? At least Carl Pavano won't be our opening day starter. The good news for Yankees fans is that "Pavano would be pitching on 643 days of rest."

"Peyton Manning on SNL" [YouTube via Cursed to First]
"Spend time with your kids so that Peyton Manning doesn't have to." So funny.

-----

"If you want to give me the ball in the ninth, I want it"

After being "offline" and therefore "disconnected" for most of the day, it was quite a treat to power up the laptop and find out that Jonathan Papelbon will be the 2007 Red Sox closer. Wow!

I'm not surprised that Papelbon is back in the bullpen, but I expected the transition two or three weeks into the season after a test of the "closer by committee" situation. Papelbon's words from Boston.com:

"I haven't been sleeping well because there's been that feeling deep down in my heart that I wanted to close...This is something I want to do for the rest of my career...It has nothing to do with Timlin's health or us not having a closer or my shoulder. I broke into the league as a closer. They drafted me as a closer. In college, I learned to pitch in the bullpen. It's where my heart is."

The bullpen is where his heart is...Sigh.

Three big questions to sleep on: Are the Red Sox a better team with Papelbon in the bullpen? Who will take his place in the starting rotation? When and why did Papelbon pose for a picture with four boxes of frozen chicken?

-----

Eleven Days

Click your mouse twice if after watching Daisuke Matsuzaka's brilliant pitching performance today, you wrote a quick haiku, downloaded a Melt Banana single, did a cartwheel and then consulted a calendar to chart the days and hours until Opening Day. Eleven! It's official. I'm excited.

If you haven't seen it yet, check out Tom Verducci's Sports Illustrated article about Matsuzaka. It's long but it is a really good read.

-----

Not Manny's Grill / Goldfish Crackers

Kudos to Amalie Benjamin over at Extra Bases who was able to a) extract a player to media comment from Manny Ramirez for the first time this spring and b) get the scoop on the JENN-AIR grill that is on sale on eBay in Manny's name. Evidently the grill is owned by a neighbor and Manny posed with it to help the guy out. (Nice.) The eBay listing states that the grill was originally purchased new for $4000 but the bidding is already up to $195,100.00 (as of 8:28 pm PT) with seven days left in the auction. You've got to be f***ing kidding me. It's a grill. If Manny posed with my Swingline stapler how much would it sell for?

*completely unrelated subject*
Has anyone else tried "Flavor Blasted" Goldfish Crackers? I thought that old skool Goldfish were good as is, but now that I've tried the "Flavor Blasted" variety (specifically Xtra Cheddar), regular old "Cheddar Flavor" just doesn't do it for me anymore. Sigh. Goldfish are a very underrated snack by the way.

-----

Ouch!

Ouch! Thank you double helmet ear flaps.

(via Red Sox Monster)

-----

"Anger, a spark, within all of us"

It gets my goat (as they say) when Red Sox fans are portrayed as the primary "fuel" behind the Red Sox - Yankees rivalry. For example, take a look at these comments from Joe Torre in today's NY Post:

"I thought some of the anger would subside,'' Torre said before the clubs played at City of Palms Park. "Sometimes you have to remind Red Sox fans they did win the World Series, but they still maintain that personality. I mean I love Boston, don't get me wrong, but the anger that has been built up there over the years, it's still the same. There is still a lot of resentment toward the Yankees and that's what fuels the whole rivalry.''

Patronizing? Yes. As evidence that this "anger" is far from one sided, I'd like to present this YouTube video of a Red Sox fan braving the bleachers at Yankee stadium:

Title from poem "Anger x 14" by Joe Fazio
-----

It's only Spring Training, but...

Photo by Flickr user DJheini

We're still twenty-one agonizing days removed from "real" baseball -- but hey -- the Red Sox and Yankees play tonight! The Sox are rolling out a potential opening day lineup (minus Schilling and Varitek). Carl Pavano will be on the mound for the Yankees, Daisuke Matsuzaka will "definitely say hello" to Hideki Matsui and we'll be drinking Red Hook Blonde Ale*. It should be fun.

Tonight: Spring Training Red Sox vs. Yankees 7:05 ET/4:05 PT, NESN

*Just tried Red Hook Blonde this weekend and it is a surprisingly delicious, "goes well with wings" style baseball-watching beer. Yumm.
-----

Sunday Links: A Graph, Deer Meat and Psychoanalysis

Huh? (Photo from Yahoo Sports)

We're wicked late with the Sunday links, but here they are. We promise that we weren't out late last night at Lebowski Fest although we're 42% sure that it would've been fun.

Graph of the Day: The Boston Soap Opera [Humbug Journal]
Now we have a brand-new way to visualize "Manny Being Manny."

Ellsbury a rare talent [Boston Globe]
Ya-ah-teh. Count us among those who didn't realize that Sox uber prospect, Jacoby Ellsbury, is of Navajo descent. We also weren't aware that he once dressed up as Johnny Damon for Halloween.

Sheffield wanted in: 'Boston was my first choice' [Boston Herald]
Gary Sheffield wanted to play for the Red Sox? If it had happened, we'd have cheered for him, but we definitely don't know any Red Sox fans who were "talking good about Gary" when he was a Yankee:

"When I was out in public, Boston fans would say, ‘Why are you hanging out with Jeter? We hate the Yankees, but we respect you.’ And Jeter would say, ‘Man, when we go out in Boston, no one messes with Gary. Everybody’s always talking good about Gary.’ I used to wonder why, too. Maybe it’s the style of play or something else, but I always sensed the respect factor, even when I came to the plate.”

Excited Red Sox Fans Eagerly Await Debut Of Matsuzaka's 'Ultimate Galactic Dragon Gyroball Pitch Power Explosion' [The Onion]
We're 97% sure that only the Onion could come up with the phrase "ultimate galactic dragon gyroball."

Top Ten Bizarre baseball injuries of the last decade [Tufts Daily]
What do deer meat, a tanning salon and a can of dog food have in common?

How to Appeal to Baseball Fans? Advice: Don't Try [NY Times]
The psychoanalyzation of A-Rod continues. He's just "too sensitive."

Last, but not least -- here's the diverting non-baseball link:
Pick Images and This Program Will Tell You About Yourself [via Digg]
Here's how it works: You pick images based on your personal preferences and at the end of the "quiz" you will receive a description about yourself. (We don't know why it is so much fun to have a computer generated program "tell us about ourselves" even though we probably already "know ourselves" because we "are ourselves," but it is...)

PS. The sun won't set until 7:09 tonight in Seattle. Yikes, it's practically summer! Too bad it's raining....
-----

"40 to 50 Percent" and Climbing

Photo from Yahoo sports

Below, in case you missed it, is the line from Daisuke Matsuzaka's spring training outing on Tuesday against the Florida Marlins.

After the game, this is what Matsuzaka had to say about his performance (through an interpreter):

"My readiness for the season is difficult to judge from the outside. I'm probably 40 to 50 percent there."

40 to 50 percent? Is it Opening Day yet?

Update: I'd rather not stroke "gyro-mania," but there are some great quotes in the Boston Herald today from Florida Marlins batters who faced Matsuzaka:

"In Matsuzaka’s Red Sox debut against major leaguers, two Marlins - Jason Stokes and Jeremy Hermida - said they saw a pitch that had movement and action unlike any other pitch they had ever seen before."

"Hermida saw it three times, Stokes once and the UFO broke down and away to the left-handed hitting Hermida and in on the hands of Stokes."

"The ball spun in a clock-wise direction, or reverse to what they are used to. It had a screwball-like rotation that left them shaking their heads."

“It’s a pitch that’s somewhere between a changeup and a splitter but it’s got a sideways spin,” said Stokes. “It’s like a split, but it’s slower, more movement.”

“He threw four different pitches to me - a fastball, slider, gyro and curve,” said Stokes. On the gyro, “He threw it up and in. I could see it was obviously a ball right away. I’m thinking ‘Get out of the way.’ It kind of backs up on you.”

The gyroball may or may not exist, but when Major League hitters refer to a pitch as a "UFO" that carries some weight.
-----

Sunday Links: Papelbon, Papi and Killer Sheep

There's (almost) nothing but good juicy Red Sox news out of Fort Myers this weekend. On Friday, Daisuke Matsuzaka threw two scoreless innings in his debut - 25 pitches, 19 strikes. This morning we got up, made toast and read that Jonathan Papelbon "the starter" fanned the NL MVP on Saturday. It's tough not to get pumped for these 2007 Sox!

Here are five links for Sunday afternoon:

"Papi a fatherly figure: Advice has helped young Pena" [Boston Herald]
How great are these stories about Big Papi as "mentor" to Wily-Mo Pena? This article even refers to Papi as the "Supreme Allied Commander" of the Red Sox. Nice.

"The evolution of pitches" [Sporting News]
The Sporting News chronicles the evolution of pitches in Major League Baseball starting with the introduction of the curve ball and change-up in the 1860's.

"A Chat with Red Sox Assistant General Manager Jed Hoyer" [The Baseball Analysts]

"NBA Highight Mixer" [NBA.com]
NBA.com has an interesting new feature where you can "mix and mash" NBA video and photos to create your own NBA highlight films. It would be nifty if MLB adopted a similar feature. Imagine being able to sort through current and historical Red Sox game footage to create your own highlight reel.

"Black Sheep Trailer" [Apple Trailers]
This link is in no way Red Sox-related, but try to watch this movie trailer without laughing. Just try.


"City of Palms Park" photo by my little sister, Jill.
-----

Caption Needed

(Photo from Boston.com)

This photo cracks me up! It really needs a caption...

-----

Curt Curt on TomTom

Curt Schilling can now be your navigator:

" Icon of America’s Favorite Pastime Tells Drivers How to Find Their Way Home – And Anywhere Else – Without Committing Errors! Schilling’s voice is available for purchase and download now for all owners of TomTom portable navigation devices."

"Now drivers can have Curt Schilling tell them how to find out-of-the-way locations or how to navigate to specific points of interest such as Fenway Park. Instead of a TomTom device saying, “You have reached your destination”, Curt Schilling will instead call the play, telling the driver “You’re almost home! Slide! Slide!”"

Quick, tell CHB!
-----

Links: Another Lunar Eclipse, Wily Mo and a Wall Talker

There hasn't been a lunar eclipse since October 27, 2004, the night that the Red Sox won the World Series, but there will be a visible eclipse this Saturday night. It would have been an intriguing coincidence if Daisuke Matsuzaka was slated to make his first start on Saturday instead of Friday, don't you think? There's a 10% chance of rain in Fort Myers on Friday, so you never know...

Anyway...here are five good pieces from around the web today:

• "Relationship with elderly couple shows Manny's softer side" [The Eagle Tribune] - Finally, a positive article about Manny Ramirez. (Whoa!)
  

• "The Wily Mo Dilemma" [Fire Brand of the AL] - What should the Red Sox do with Wily Mo Pena?

• "Un-Cranky Yanks" [New York Observer] - "Jeter Bumps A-Rod, Brian Cashman Takes Charge: They’re the 2007 Post-Steinbrennerian Yankees—Cheaper, Svelter, Lovable Bunch of Rich Lunks*" (Uh...right)

• "Ramirez talks to wall, hoping to improve on rookie season" - [St. Augustine] - Thankfully, this article is about Hanley, not Manny.

• "Top Ten Tips for Seeing a Sox Game in Baltimore" - [Red Sox Superfan]
  

*"Lunk" is a great word. I vow to use it more often.
-----

Tonight, There will be Baseball

(Photo by Beauty Playin 'Eh - Check out her baseball photos here.)

Granted, it is an exhibition game, but tonight the blue seats at City of Palms Park will be full. When you turn on your television at 7:00, Don Orsillo's big happy head will be there to great you. At 7:05, there will be live baseball on NESN. It's officially time to fire up the rally wings and switch your robotic beer launching fridge to the "on" position. Here-we-go...!


Hat tip to Trivia Guy for the link to the fridge.
-----

Trivia Tuesday! Round 1

Trivia Guy, the mastermind behind Monday Night Trivia at John Harvard's Brew House in Harvard Square, has teamed up with Drunken Bleachers to present "Trivia Tuesday!"

Here is the Round 1 question:

One member of the Red Sox ownership team makes his own lunch at home and brings it to work everyday in a cooler labeled with his name [red marker on masking tape]. He puts it in the fridge on the 3rd floor of the offices and to my knowledge, no one has dared swipe anything. Which Sox boss am I describing?

Send your answer via email to trivia@drunkenbleachers.com.

Trivia Guy will randomly select one winner from among those who answer the question correctly. This week the prize will be a white Boston Insoxicated T-Shirt (size of your choice).

Answers must be submitted by Sunday, 3/4 at midnight ET to be eligible to win the t-shirt. The winner will be announced and notified on Monday 3/5.

Update: You don't have to live in the Boston area to win the prize. We ship!

Good luck!

-----

Manny Reports!

Photo from Boston.com

Manny Ramirez reported to training camp today, essentially ending the media induced "controversy" surrounding his absence. To the great chagrin of the press corp there will be no stakeout-style March 1 deadline drama -- "It's 9:01 am and there is still no sign of Ramirez!" Remember last year?

A couple of Manny-related tidbits from today:

• Manny reported to camp with spiffy red "highlights."
  

I had a hunch that Manny would arrive "clean cut" after sporting the shaggy look for a several years. You know, circa 1992...

...but I was dead wrong.

• Manny did not speak to reporters, but his agent, Greg Genske, did hold a brief press conference. Via Extra Bases:
  

Manny is 34 now. Do you think it's time for him to be more accountable instead of being babied like a 12-year-old?

Genske: "Well, I wouldn't accept your characterization of his behavior to begin with, and again I'll just say he's reported to spring training here, he's happy to be here he's here before he's required to be here, either by the team or the mandatory report date. He's happy to be here and ready to go."

Do you think since he's your meal ticket, you should try to help him grow up?

Genske: "Again, I wouldn't agree with your characterization, either of Manny's behavior or of whatever else you're talking about."

"Babied like a 12-year-old?"..."meal ticket?"...and we wonder why Manny doesn't speak to the press?
-----

Sunday Links: Interpreters, Video Games & Bugs Bunny

Here are five links for your Sunday afternoon:

"Interpreters in Baseball Making Sure Nothing Is Lost in Translation" [New York Times] Everything you ever wanted to know about Japanese interpreters (and a little bit more).

"Bats and Bytes Part 1: Early Baseball Video Games" [Bugs & Cranks]
Bugs & Cranks takes a look back at pre-1982 baseball video games. If you've ever held an Atari joystick, this is a must read.

"Measuring Spring Training Cliches" [Roto Authority]
Roto Authority is "systematically tracking" all MLB players who have arrived at spring training either "bulked up" or "slimmed down" to find out which players actually perform better in 2007. For the record, Red Sox second baseman, Dustin Pedroia, will be among the tracked.

"Wells weighs in on Boston" [Boston.com]
David Wells offers some insight into what life is like "off the field" as a Red Sox player: "It was the worst. You go to a mall with your kids and you have people always wanting to take pictures. They should call it 'Picturetown' not 'Beantown.'" Ouch.

"Bugs Bunny, greatest banned player ever" [U.S.S. Mariner]
As a good citizen of Seattle (I finally converted to a Washington State drivers license!), I try to keep up with a few Seattle Mariners blogs in addition to my daily Red Sox blog/news intake. In one of my all-time favorite blog posts, U.S.S. Mariner analyzes (in excruciating detail) Looney Tunes' "Baseball Bugs" (1946) -- Gas House Gorillas vs Tea Totallers. The post is almost a year old, but it was recently selected for the 2007 Best American Sportswriting annual so I thought I'd post a link to it. Congrats U.S.S. Mariner!

-----

Goodbye Wool Hats: Synthetic Breathes

"Imagine playing games and your team is five degrees cooler than the other team. Don't you think that would be an advantage? They're cooler, they're more comfortable...they're happier - they're gonna play better."

We wonder if MLB consulted George Costanza about this.

-----

Translation Required: Papelbon Closing?

Extra Bases has the transcript of a "lighthearted" exchange today between Sox brass regarding the 2007 closer role:

Tom Werner: "Well, we don’t have one today, but hopefully we’ll have one soon."

John Henry: "I thought we had one today."

Tom Werner: "Well, you said we did."

John Henry: "We do have one, I guess we just can’t tell you who that is. It hasn’t been announced? No closer has been announced? ... You can’t always believe what you hear."

Separately, in an interview with the Globe’s Gordon Edes that will air on NESN tomorrow night, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said that Jonathan Papelbon remained among the team's many options at closer.

With some deductive thinking we can conclude the following from these cryptic comments:

• The Sox may or may not have made an in-house decision regarding the closer role.

• If a resolution has been made, it is probably not one of the "unprovens" - Joel Pineiro, Craig Hansen, Manny Delcarmen, Devern Hansack etc.

• If Jonathan Papelbon is indeed "among the team's many options at closer," the team is convinced that his shoulder would be able to remain healthy as a reliever.
  

• Therefore: Papelbon may or may not return to the bullpen in 2007 or the Sox have may or may not have made a trade for a closer. Chad Cordero?
  

In other words, we don't know anything new regarding who the Sox closer will be in 2007, but it's always fun to speculate, right?

"Papelbon!" photo by Flickr user libdespot
-----

Sunday Reading

("Batting Practice Balls" photo by Flickr user Boston Fan in Michigan)

Here are five links for Sunday afternoon while we all try to recover from seeing Britney Spears bald:

"From Pearl Lagoon to Back Bay" [ESPN]
"From Cessna airplane to motorized canoe to Pearl Lagoon, the journey isn't for the weak." Amy K Nelson visits Red Sox pitcher, Devern Hansack, in his hometown in Nicaragua.

"Rule Changes" [Baseball Musings]
David Pinto breaks down the recently announced MLB rule changes.

"It will be fun rolling out Dice-K" [NY Newsday]
Ken Davidoff looks at "the Rivalry's newest wrinkle" -- and he doesn't believe in the gyro ball.

"Crap Sandwich" [Dan Shaughnessy Watch]
Thank the stars that "the Watch" reads Shaughnessy's drivel so that we don't have to.

"59Fifty Surgery" [Bugs & Cranks]
Bugs & Cranks offers step by step instructions on how to perform "surgery" on a new hat. (I usually just send mine through the dishwasher with a rubber band around it, but these instructions are better.)

-----

Keith Foulke Retires

"...swing and a ground ball stabbed by Foulke, he has it, he underhands to first and the Boston Red Sox are the World Champions! For the first time in 86 years...!"

This is sad news. We'll never forget what Keith Foulke did for the Sox in 2004.


"Indians bullpen has one less option with Foulke out" [ESPN]
-----

Perhaps he'll throw the Gyro

Wow! It was fun to watch Dice-K's press conference Thursday. If you haven't seen it, you can check it out here. Even with the grand ol' language barrier, it was evident that Matsuzaka is charismatic and likeable. For example, when asked if he would throw the so-called gyro ball, this was his response:

"[Giggles] How should I answer? [Giggles] I knew this question was coming today. And I was preparing some optional answers for this particular question. Should I say, 'I have that [pitch].' Or I could say, 'Which particular [pitch] are you referring to?' [Giggles] Overall, if I have the chance, I will pitch that ball."

Here are few more highlights from the press conference:

• What would his first Major League pitch be? "I would like to pitch a fastball. That will be my first [pitch] to throw. I would like my first batter, if he is listening, please try and not hit the ball."
  

• How would he deal with the pressure of his large contract? "The scale of the contract does not determine how I play baseball I feel responsibility a little bit, but I am not pressured. I have received a lot of expectations all my life but I always remember the most important thing for me is to play ball and have fun. And I have done so and I will keep doing so and by doing so I will meet everybody's expectations."

• Dice-K had dinner with Ichiro in the off-season and they "talked about life in the United States."

• He is learning English: "In order to get along well with my teammates, communication is very important, and I would like to learn English -- and I am learning English as we speak."

• A new pitch? Matsuzaka might try to learn the knuckleball from Tim Wakefield: "If I can keep my form and can still pitch a knuckleball, it would be very advantageous for me, I tried it in Los Angeles and it didn't work out so well. So for now, I will keep that on the side."

The Matsuzaka Press Conference 2/15 [NESN.com]
"Matsuzaka shows his lighter side" [MLB.com]
-----

What the heck is this?

Is it me, or is this Sox hat really disturbing? Is that supposed to be blood dripping from the "B"?

via Red Reporter
-----

"I want to play catch with him soon..."

The minute by minute Dice-K updates from the Boston Matsuzaka stalkers media contingent in Ft. Myers today were a bit...uhmm...excessive (omg he's wearing gray shorts!), but Matsuzaka did speak briefly as he departed the Red Sox training facility. Gordon Edes reports that Dice-K left the media circus with this cuddly quote about Jason Varitek (Matsuzaka's "favorite player"):

"I want to play catch with him soon, but maybe Mr. (Hideki) Okajima will be my first partner. I will try to communicate with Varitek as much as possible in order to have a good relationship. By talking to Varitek, I would like to know my teammates deeply.''

Aaawwwww.

"Departing Words" [Extra Bases]
"Matsuzaka Plays Catch!" [Clubhouse Insider]
-----

This photo is in desperate need of a caption

Photo from Yahoo Sports
-----

Talkin' Trash

Lookout Landing has a hilarious guide for Seattle fans (novices and veterans) on how to talk trash to each of the AL teams when they're in town.

For example, here are the suggested jabs at Red Sox fans:


For Novices: Inability to win the division, Yankee superiority, ridiculous accents
For Veterans: Manny Ramirez's defense, parasitic nature of fan base, godawful ballpark, pink hats, Joel Pineiro
Avoid Mentioning: Recent success, Heathcliff Slocumb, cancer

Here are a few comebacks if you encounter any newly obnoxious Mariners fans Opening Day at Fenway:


For Novices: Heathcliff Slocumb, Recent failure
For Veterans: Mike Hargrove, A-Rod, Crowd waits for scoreboard to initiate cheer (Let's Get Looooud!), Synchronized dancing ground crew, OBP, Fans need a guide to trash-talking
Avoid Mentioning: Joel Pineiro, Garlic Fries


"Your Guide To Being a Really Obnoxious Trash-Talking 2007 Mariners Fan" [Lookout Landing]
-----

Happy Truck Day!

The Red Sox equipment truck departs for Ft. Myers today. Woo hoo!

Photo from Boston.com
-----

Sunday Afternoon Reading

Here are seven links for Sunday afternoon as we get psyched for the "Dice-K all day every day" media frenzy that will begin continue when Daisuke Matsuzaka arrives in Fort Myers this week. Sushi for dinner anyone?

"New England Japanese" [Matsuzaka Watch]
Mike Plugh explores the cultural bridge that Matsuzaka is likely to forge between the people of Boston and the nation of Japan. Good stuff.

"Matsuzaka factor Mobilizes Red Sox" [Boston.com]
"It is an open question how Daisuke Matsuzaka adjusts to the world of the Boston Red Sox, but it's clear how much the Sox have already transformed that world for their new Japanese pitcher, to a degree unprecedented for anyone else who has ever worn the uniform."

"Matsuzaka Masterpiece: Glimpses of Greatness in Arm of Teenager" [NY Times]
Jack Curry tells the story of Dice-K's gutsy 17 inning 200+ pitch performance as a high school pitcher in Japan.

"The 100 Greatest Red Sox" [Top 100 Red Sox Project]
A group of Red Sox bloggers have united to count down the top 100 Sox players in the history of the franchise. Today they've added #89 Butch Hobson and #90 Brian Daubach.

"Who Do You Love?" [Boston Dirt Dogs]
Vote for your favorite Red Sox since 1967.

"Making Noise: Batter Up! Is MLB Prepping for an Interactive IPO?" [Yahoo]
This article analyzes the business side of Major League Baseball's "Extra Innings" deal with DirecTV.

"Bill Veeck, Baseball Genius" [One More Dying Quail]
A New Hampshire blogger takes a unique look at baseball owner and promoter, Bill Veeck, who was best known for sending a midget to bat as a publicity stunt.


Dog and Newspaper Cartoon by Leo Cullum
-----

Mirabelli has $150,000 Incentive to Stay in Shape

There is a good chance that the Doug Mirabelli we see next week when pitchers and catchers report for spring training will be slimmed down, sleek and trim. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Mirabelli can earn up to $150,000 in conditioning incentives on top of his $750,000 base salary. Yes, Dougie will take home a boat load of extra cash just for staying in shape.

May I suggest the NutriSystem Diet for Men? (Dan Marino lost 22 pounds!)


"Big Contracts are Not Enough for Some Stars" [Philadelphia Daily News]
-----

Rocket II

Pitchers and catchers report for spring training one week from today!

-----

Photo of the Week: 8 Days 'Till Spring Training

A thought to warm our frigid fam and friends in Boston: There are only eight days and counting until pitchers and catchers report for spring training!

"Fenway Park on a Winter Day" photo by Flickr user rcolonna.
-----

Evidently J.D. Drew Will Try Anything to Stay Healthy

Discovering the quirks and idiosyncrasies of "the new guys" in Red Sox uniform every season is a lot like getting acquainted with a new group of friends. Today we have this nugget from the Eagle Tribune about J.D. Drew and his quackish methods for wellness:

"Drew's commitment to his own well-being is indisputable. The gadgets he's turned to include a cosmonaut-tested healing device, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, an infrared sauna, chips implanted in his cell phones and computers to limit radiation damage, and a myriad of other health-oriented products that promise better overall health."

I guess we should be delighted that Drew is so tuned in to his health, but when exactly did 'healthy diet and lots of exercise' go out of style?

Hat tip to Baseball Musings for the link.

"Drew the Body Good" [EagleTribune]
-----

The Curse of the Bambino Revisited

Here is an amusing take on the Curse of the Bambino from a Yankees blog, WasWatching.com:

"Does anyone else think that it's odd that Babe Ruth's birthday is February 6th, as in 2/6, and that the Yankees have been stuck on World Championship #26 for a long time now?...Could it be that whatever magic/curse which the Babe provided had an expiration clause, and the cancellation mark was driven off his birth date? Nah, that's nutty, right?"

Let's not forget that the Yankees' captain is #2 and the manager #6. Plus A-Rod is #13 which is half of 26.

Hmmm...we could be on to something.
-----
"The Hidden Clause in the Curse of the Bambino?" [WasWatching.com]
-----

A-Rod's Therapy Stage 4: Envision success as a character in your own children's book

Alex Rodriguez is the proud author of the autobiographical children's book, Out of the Ballpark, which is scheduled for release Tuesday. My suspicion is that the writing of the book was a prescribed stage in self-therapy which allowed A-Rod to "envision his own success."

From the NY Daily News:

"Out of the Ballpark" follows a boy - appropriately named Alex - whose baseball team is playing in the playoffs. Alex, who is a second baseman, makes a key error in the game and begins to put extra pressure on himself. Only his play gets worse. Sound familiar?

Alex's team, the Caribes, overcomes his play to reach the championship game. Alex works harder, waking up before sunrise to practice, throwing a ball against his bedroom wall 500 times a day. Without giving away the ending, let's just say that the Yankees should hope that life imitates art come October."

Uh, let's hope not. All kidding aside, the book actually looks really cute, but if you're a Sox fan, keep your kids away!

-----
"A-Rod Moves to Pen" [NY Daily News]
Out of the Ballpark [Alex Rodriguez / Frank Morrison]

Dice-K Can Chug!

We can't quite get enough of this Japanese ad for Asahi Super Dry beer which features Daisuke Matsuzaka in slow-mo pulling on a dramatically flowing Red Sox jersey and chugging beer like it was milk. Is it opening day yet?

-----

Photo of the Week

"Ted Williams Memorial" by Flickr user tollerSCREAM

We can't quite contain ourselves when we see an exceptional photo of Fenway Park (eeep!), so we troll Flickr.com to locate our favorite Red Sox related image every week.

This gem from the Ted Williams Memorial Ceremony in 2002 was taken by Flickr user, tollerSCREAM, who also has a ton of fantastic photos on her website, jmurrayphotography.com.

-----

Bears=Jerks

I just watched all five of these wacky Super Bowl psych up videos: Bear vs Colt. (Hat tip to The700Level for the link.) I wonder what they would've done with Bear vs Patriot.

By the way, the Red Sox and Rockies have both announced that the Todd Helton trade talks are officially dead. Sigh.

-----

Sunday Afternoon Reading

Well...it's been a little while since we've stopped by here to put up any new material. In response to the "Are you dead?" emails we've received in our inbox: No, we're not dead. Let's just call it post-Christmas / pre-Spring Training writer's block. We're all geared up now though for the 2007 baseball season. How many days until the equipment truck leaves Yawkey Way?

Here are a few links for a cold Sunday afternoon:


("Gyroball" photo from SI.com)

"Unwinding the gyroball" [SI.com]
Brett Bull of SI.com explores "The physics behind the mysterious pitch and the burning question of whether Matsuzaka throws it."

"Seeking Edge in China, Yankees Put Baseball First" [New York Times]
The Evil Empire goes to China.

"Displaced Package" [Boston Sports Blog]
Major League Baseball has done a good job of making those of us who are "displaced" really "mad." I hope I can talk my brother into letting me Slingbox NESN from his cable. What is family for, right?

"Trade? Ask for Manny" [Denver Post]
Woody Paige is a lunatic.

"Who is the Official Mr. Ugly?" [View from the Bleachers]
Who is the ugliest man in baseball history? Randy Johnson has my vote...or maybe Jeff Weaver.

"The Power of Baseball Blogging" [Most Valuable Network]

"Long Term Shortstop" [Boston.com]
Amalie Benjamin visits Julio Lugo in Santo Domingo.

-----

Photo of the Week

"Tickets" by Flickr user 3rd Coast Chick

As promised, here is the Friday photo of the week. This shot was taken by Flickr user 3rd Coast Chick. Sadly, it's a reminder that we have a long cold winter ahead before Opening Day!

http://www.drunkenbleachers.com